In honor of Grand Seiko’s 60th anniversary, the Japanese brand launches new studios and timepieces. In Japanese culture, a 60th birthday is a moment of new energy and rebirth, and for Grand Seiko, 2020 is the perfect moment to open a new global showcase and present a wide range of offerings from the Grand Seiko collection. Several handwrought watches were made especially for this celebration.
Director and senior vice president Yoshikatsu Kawada of Seiko Watch Corporation shares his thoughts on the milestone, “60 is a significant number in horology. It takes 60 seconds to fill a minute, and 60 minutes to complete an hour. Moreso, 60 is important in Japanese culture as it signifies a moment of new energy and re-birth. Beginning this year, we promoted a new concept for the brand—the Nature of Time. And with this, we celebrate the Japanese spirituality of time brought to life with the pride and spirit of Takumi—the great Japanese watch masters and artisans who pour their hearts and souls and their entire selves in every detail of the process all in the pursuit of the ideal watch. We opened the year with a grand celebration to feature our anniversary collection, and it is just right to close the year with yet another set of offerings.”
Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi
One of its most notable milestones was the launch of Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi in July 2020—a new facility in Japan designated as the sole venue for creating Grand Seiko mechanical watches. Another milestone is the launch of the first Grand Seiko Boutique in Paris Vendome last March 2020. This is currently the largest Grand Seiko boutique in the world.
SLGH003 (9SA5 Hi-Beat caliber)
Grand Seiko “king of watches” further celebrates its 60th with a release of limited edition watches. Taking the spotlight is the new 9SA5 Hi-Beat caliber, the finest mechanical caliber Grand Seiko has ever created. Movements are the mechanisms inside the watch, and it is what makes telling time as precise as possible and the brand’s artisans have been developing and working on this movement for the last nine years, carrying all the Grand Seiko experience and wisdom over 60 years of making watches.
The new 9SA5 Hi-Beat caliber was developed by movement designer Hisashi Fujieda in 2009. His creation process involved two key objectives needed to ultimately achieve experimental models of a 10-beat mechanical movement with an accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day. First, he and his team developed new materials for the two springs that govern the wristwatch’s power and accuracy. Second, they found a way to enhance the oil retention properties of the escapement using new machining technology that delivers higher levels of precision.
Globally, Grand Seiko is also giving Filipino watch enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the watchmaking art as another highlight. Within the coming weeks before the year turn, the brand is opening a new Seiko Premium boutique in Ayala Malls Manila Bay. This new boutique will feature its 60th anniversary collection aside from their heritage and classic pieces. Enthusiasts who would rather shop at the comforts of their homes can also enjoy e-tailing throughSeiko Boutique.
“Our 60th year means new opportunities to grow and expand Grand Seiko. It is also a reminder of the legacy that we built since 1960, and how the brand brought satisfaction, joy, and serenity to watch lovers around the world. Watch aficionados adore Grand Seiko’s luxury craftsmanship,” shares president and CEO of Timeplus Corporation Karl Dy. “Though they’ve only been in the Philippine market for a few years, its models are highly sought after by local collectors and enthusiasts. We are very excited to celebrate Grand Seiko’s 60th anniversary, and we look forward to more sophisticated, authentic, and nature-inspired timepieces.”
Taking inspiration from the breathtaking morning view of Mount Iwate, these 60th anniversary timepieces from Grand Seiko deserve a look.
SLGA001 (Caliber 9RA5)SBGJ241 (Caliber 9S86)SBGR321 (Caliber 9S65)STGK015 (Caliber 9S27)SBGP007 (Caliber 9F85)SBGW264 (Caliber 9S64)To learn more about Grand Seiko’s handcrafted masterpieces and the 60th anniversary collection, you can visit their website.
Director and senior vice president Yoshikatsu Kawada of Seiko Watch Corporation shares his thoughts on the milestone, “60 is a significant number in horology. It takes 60 seconds to fill a minute, and 60 minutes to complete an hour. Moreso, 60 is important in Japanese culture as it signifies a moment of new energy and re-birth. Beginning this year, we promoted a new concept for the brand—the Nature of Time. And with this, we celebrate the Japanese spirituality of time brought to life with the pride and spirit of Takumi—the great Japanese watch masters and artisans who pour their hearts and souls and their entire selves in every detail of the process all in the pursuit of the ideal watch. We opened the year with a grand celebration to feature our anniversary collection, and it is just right to close the year with yet another set of offerings.”
Director and senior vice president Yoshikatsu Kawada of Seiko Watch Corporation shares his thoughts on the milestone, “60 is a significant number in horology. It takes 60 seconds to fill a minute, and 60 minutes to complete an hour. Moreso, 60 is important in Japanese culture as it signifies a moment of new energy and re-birth. Beginning this year, we promoted a new concept for the brand—the Nature of Time. And with this, we celebrate the Japanese spirituality of time brought to life with the pride and spirit of Takumi—the great Japanese watch masters and artisans who pour their hearts and souls and their entire selves in every detail of the process all in the pursuit of the ideal watch. We opened the year with a grand celebration to feature our anniversary collection, and it is just right to close the year with yet another set of offerings.”
“Our 60th year means new opportunities to grow and expand Grand Seiko. It is also a reminder of the legacy that we built since 1960, and how the brand brought satisfaction, joy, and serenity to watch lovers around the world. Watch aficionados adore Grand Seiko’s luxury craftsmanship,” shares president and CEO of Timeplus Corporation Karl Dy. “Though they’ve only been in the Philippine market for a few years, its models are highly sought after by local collectors and enthusiasts. We are very excited to celebrate Grand Seiko’s 60th anniversary, and we look forward to more sophisticated, authentic, and nature-inspired timepieces.”
Taking inspiration from the breathtaking morning view of Mount Iwate, these 60th anniversary timepieces from Grand Seiko deserve a look.
